Alabama

Two life sentences for rape and theft

James Broadhead was given two consecutive life sentences today for the June 2007 rape of a 73-year-old woman and the theft of her car and other items.

MOBILE, Ala. - A judge today sentenced James Broadhead to two life sentences, to be served consecutively, for the June 2007 rape of a 73-year-old woman.

Circuit Judge Robert Smith told Broadhead, 25, that he was not fit to live in society.

The victim testified during Broadhead's trial that she fixed him lunch on the day of the attack, just hours after he was released from jail on an unrelated charge. She fell asleep watching a soap opera and awoke with Broadhead over her, holding a knife, ordering her to take off her clothes, she said.

He raped her, she said, and later stole money and other items before making off with her car.

Other witnesses during the trial described Broadhead as mentally deficient and anti-social since childhood. Smith told Broadhead that he was a habitual criminal and had "failed society" and thus no longer deserved to dwell in it.